Citizens Without Proof

A Survey of Americans' Possession of Documentary Proof of Citizenship and Photo Identification

A recent national survey sponsored by the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law reveals that millions of American citizens do not have readily available documentary proof of citizenship. Many more primarily women do not have proof of citizenship with their current name. The survey also showed that millions of American citizens do not have government-issued photo identification, such as a drivers license or passport. Finally, the survey demonstrated that certain groups primarily poor, elderly, and minority citizens are less likely to possess these forms of documentation than the general population.